Press-type dispensing container

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/979,747, filed Apr. 15, 2014, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a dispensing container. More specifically, the present invention relates to a press-type dispensing container for solid, semi-solid, or waxy personal care products.

BACKGROUND

Existing packages or containers for solid, semi-solid, or waxy personal care products (e.g. lipsticks, deodorants, and the like) are used by opening the cap and rotating the package to lower or raise the product. Such items typically include a cylindrically-shaped package which is maneuvered by rotating an outer shaft. As the formulation of the product is usually a soft material, it is required that the product protrude as little as possible from the package to prevent breaking of the product while it is being applied. Due to this limitation, traditional packages have complicated parts and complicated assemblies. Improvements in the usability and cost for these packages have been stale. Also, personal care products are trending towards softer compositions and require air-tight packages to accommodate these changes, which is difficult for existing packages to accomplish.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSED SUBJECT MATTER

There is provided in accordance with various embodiments of the invention a press-type dispensing container that includes an outer case defining a hollow tube portion which is open at one end and extends toward a compressible region at the opposite end. An inner member including a support portion that is configured to support a personal care product is positioned within the hollow tube portion of the outer case. The support portion is configured to migrate towards the tube portion open end when the compressible region of the outer case is compressed.

In at least one embodiment, the hollow tube portion is configured to receive a cap or lid.

In at least one embodiment, the container includes a personal care product in contact with the support portion. In an exemplary embodiment, the personal care product is selected from cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and cosmeceutical compositions. In one embodiment, the personal care product includes a cosmetic composition selected from lipstick, lip balm, blush, foundation, eye shadow, concealer, eye liner, lip liner, deodorant, soap, fragrance, and sunscreen compositions. In another embodiment, the personal care product includes a pharmaceutical composition. In yet another embodiment, the personal care product includes a cosmeceutical composition.

In at least one embodiment, the inner member further includes a flexible material selected from cross-linked latex rubber, cross-linked synthetic elastomers, non-cross-linked synthetic elastomers, natural rubber, thermoplastic elastomers, PVC, synthetic rubber, polyurethane, latex rubber, synthetic latex rubber, and polyolefins.

In at least one embodiment, the inner member further includes a hollow flexible outer portion surrounding an inner fluid portion.

In yet another embodiment, the inner member further includes a fluid and sealing component. In at least one embodiment, the sealing component is disposed within the shaft portion of the outer case.

In at least one embodiment, the inner member further includes a rigid material and a spring. In at least one embodiment, the spring is disposed within the tube portion of the outer case.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitute part of this specification, illustrate the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, and, together with the general description given above and the detailed description given below, serve to explain the features of the invention. In the drawings:

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is an elevation view of a press-type dispensing container in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention with a cap positioned thereon;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2A</figref> is a cross-sectional view of the container of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2B</figref> is a cross-sectional view similar to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2A</figref> illustrating the press-type dispensing container in a compressed condition and the cap removed;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3A and 3B</figref> are cross-sectional side views similar to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2A and 2B</figref>, respectively, of a press-type dispensing container in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4A and 4B</figref> are cross-sectional side views similar to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2A and 2B</figref>, respectively, of a press-type dispensing container in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5A-C</figref> are cross-sectional views an uncapped press-type dispensing container in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention illustrating sequential operation of the dispenser; and

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is an exploded perspective view of a press-type dispensing container in accordance with another exemplary embodiment similar to the press-type dispensing container of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5A-C</figref>.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The press-type dispensing container described herein extends the use of a tube-type package to solid, semi-solid, or waxy compositions. Until now, tube-type packages have been limited to dispensing liquids. The container described herein provides product dispensing and storage functions via a streamlined design that utilizes a minimal number of parts. In certain embodiments, airtight storage is also achieved.

In the drawings, like numerals indicate like elements throughout. As used in this document, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. As used in this document, the term “comprising” means “including, but not limited to.”

As used herein, the term “personal care product” includes, but is not limited to, solid, semi-solid, or waxy cosmetic, pharmaceutical (e.g. dermatological), or cosmeceutical compositions. Cosmetic products include preparations that can be applied to a user's body for the purpose of altering the quality or appearance of an application site. Exemplary cosmetic products include, but are not limited to, lipstick, lip balm, blush, foundation, eye shadow, concealer, eye liner, lip liner, deodorant, soap, fragrance, and sunscreen compositions. Pharmaceutical products include compositions that can be applied to a user's body for the purpose of ameliorating a disease or condition (for example, dermatological) in the user.

Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-2B</figref>, a press-type dispensing container <b>10</b> in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention will be described. The container <b>10</b> includes an outer case <b>20</b> which defines a hollow tube portion <b>26</b> and a compressible region <b>24</b>. The hollow tube portion <b>26</b> includes an opening <b>22</b> through the end opposite the compressible region <b>24</b>. A shoulder <b>25</b> may be defined into the outer case <b>20</b> such that it defines a seat for the optional cap <b>50</b>.

An inner member <b>30</b> is positioned within the outer case <b>20</b> and includes a support portion <b>32</b> that is configured to support a personal care product <b>40</b> so that the product <b>40</b> can be stored within the container <b>10</b> or dispensed through the opening <b>22</b> in the outer case <b>20</b>. The support portion <b>32</b> of the inner component <b>30</b> can be configured to support a personal care product <b>40</b> of any desired shape. In one embodiment, when the personal care product <b>40</b> is a stick form, exemplary shapes for a cross-section of the stick include, but are not limited to, round, square, rectangular, oval, elliptical, hexagonal, and triangular shapes. The hollow tube portion <b>26</b> preferably has an internal shape which complements the shape of the support portion <b>32</b> for guided motion of the support portion <b>32</b> within the hollow tube portion <b>26</b>. The opening <b>22</b> is illustrated to have an inner diameter equal to or larger than the outer diameter of the support portion <b>32</b> such that the support portion <b>32</b> may extend at least partially through the opening <b>22</b>. Alternatively, the opening <b>22</b> may have a smaller inner diameter such that it acts as a stop and prevents passage of the support portion <b>32</b> therethrough.

In the present embodiment, the inner member <b>30</b> also includes a flexible portion <b>34</b> which defines a chamber <b>35</b> below the support portion <b>32</b>. When the inner member <b>30</b> is positioned within the outer case <b>20</b>, the flexible portion <b>34</b> is positioned at least partially within and partially aligned with the compressible region <b>24</b> of the outer case <b>20</b>. Within the chamber <b>35</b> is a driving element <b>36</b>, which in the present embodiment is a flexible or elastic material. More specifically, the flexible or elastic material is one in which at least a portion of it is: (a) capable of migrating or spreading when another portion of the material is compressed and (b) retracting towards its original state when the compressive force is reduced or stopped. Any material that fits this description is suitable. Exemplary materials include, but are not limited to, gel and non-gel elastomers and/or higher-durometer elastomers. Preferred materials include cross-linked latex rubber, cross-linked and non-cross-linked synthetic elastomers of many types (SANTOPRENE™ of any grade, KRATON™ of any grade, SEPTON™ of any grade, isoprene, butadiene, silicone rubber, thermoset or thermoplastic polyurethane and many others), natural rubber, thermoplastic elastomers, PVC, synthetic rubber, polyurethane, latex rubber, synthetic latex rubber, polyolefin, or any other flexible or elastic material.

While the compressible drive element <b>36</b> of the present embodiment is illustrated within the flexible portion <b>34</b>, it is also contemplated that the flexible portion <b>34</b> may be eliminated and the flexible or elastic material of the driving element <b>36</b> may simply be positioned within the flexible portion <b>24</b> of the outer case <b>20</b> and in contact with the non-supporting surface of the support portion <b>32</b>. Such flexible or elastic material could be formed independent from the support portion <b>32</b> or integral therewith.

Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2B</figref>, the product <b>40</b> is dispensed by compressing the compressible region <b>24</b> of the outer case <b>20</b>, for example by squeezing or pinching, which in turn compresses the drive element <b>36</b>, causing a portion of the flexible or elastic material to migrate toward the non-compressed area within the tube portion <b>26</b> of the outer case <b>20</b>. Migration of the flexible or elastic material drives the support portion <b>32</b> toward the opening <b>22</b> in the outer case <b>20</b>, which in turn pushes the product <b>40</b> out of opening <b>22</b>. When the user reduces or stops applying a compressive force to the compressible region <b>24</b>, the inner component <b>30</b> returns to its original state and the product <b>40</b> is retracted back into the hollow tube portion <b>26</b>.

Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3A and 3B</figref>, a press-type dispensing container <b>10</b>′ in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention will be described. The press-type dispensing container <b>10</b>′ is substantially the same as in the previous embodiment except that the drive element <b>36</b>′ is a fluid rather than a flexible or elastic material. The fluid is contained within the chamber <b>35</b>. Exemplary fluids which define the drive element <b>36</b>′ of the present embodiment may include gases (e.g. air) or liquids (e.g. aqueous or nonaqueous liquids). Preferred fluids include air or water. In all other respects, the press-type dispensing container <b>10</b>′ operates in a manner similar to that described with respect to the first exemplary embodiment.

Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4A and 4B</figref>, a press-type dispensing container <b>10</b>″ in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention will be described. The present embodiment is similar to the previous embodiments and includes an outer case <b>20</b> with a hollow tube portion <b>26</b> defining an open end <b>22</b> and a compression region <b>24</b>. In the present embodiment, the inner member <b>30</b>″ does not include a flexible portion, but only includes the support portion <b>32</b>″. The support portion <b>32</b>″ is configured to sealingly engage an inside surface <b>27</b> of the hollow tube portion <b>26</b> such that a fluid tight chamber <b>35</b>″ is defined between the inner member <b>30</b>″ and the outer case <b>20</b>. In the present embodiment, the drive element <b>36</b>″ is a fluid similar to the previous embodiment. The sealed interaction between the support portion <b>32</b>″ and the inside surface <b>27</b> prevent the fluid from leaking out of the container <b>10</b>″ when the container <b>10</b>″ is in a storage state or when the compression region <b>24</b> is compressed. In all other respects, the press-type dispensing container <b>10</b>″ operates in a manner similar to that described with respect to the previous exemplary embodiments.

Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5A-C</figref>, a press-type dispensing container <b>10</b>′″ in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention will be described. The container <b>10</b>′″ again includes an outer case <b>20</b> with a hollow tube portion <b>26</b> defining an open end <b>22</b> and a compression region <b>24</b>. The inner member <b>30</b>′″ is positioned within outer the case <b>20</b> and includes a support portion <b>32</b>′″ and a drive element <b>36</b>′″. The support portion <b>32</b>′″ is again configured to support a personal care product <b>40</b> of any desired shape. In the present embodiment, the drive element <b>36</b>′″ is a rigid material with opposed tapered sides <b>37</b> such that the drive element <b>36</b>′″ will cause the inner member <b>30</b>′″ to migrate (e.g. slide) towards the opening <b>22</b> of the tube portion <b>26</b> when the compressible region <b>24</b> of outer case <b>20</b> is compressed. Such motion is illustrated progressively in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5A-C</figref>.

To insure return of the inner member <b>30</b>′″ upon release of the compressive force, a spring <b>60</b> is positioned within the tube portion <b>26</b> between an inward shoulder <b>29</b> defined adjacent the opening <b>22</b> and a shoulder <b>39</b> defined between the support portion <b>32</b>′″ and the drive element <b>36</b>′″. The spring <b>60</b> is compressed when inner component <b>30</b>′″ migrates towards or into the tube portion <b>26</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5B and 5C</figref>) and expands towards its original state when the compressive force is reduced or released (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5A</figref>). Expansion of the spring <b>60</b> in this way causes the product <b>40</b> to be retracted back into tube portion <b>26</b> for storage.

While the support portion <b>32</b>′″ and the drive element <b>36</b>′″ are illustrated as an integral component, it is contemplated that they may be formed as separate components. In such an embodiment, the shoulder <b>39</b> may be defined in the support portion alone.

Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>, a press-type dispensing container <b>10</b>^ivin accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention will be described. The container <b>10</b>^ivis substantially the same as in the previous embodiment except that the outer case is formed of two separate parts, namely the hollow tube portion <b>26</b>^ivand the compressible region <b>24</b>^ivwhich are interconnected with the inner member <b>30</b>′″ therein. Such a multi-piece outer case may be utilized in any of the embodiments described herein.

While this invention has been described with an emphasis upon preferred embodiments, it will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art that variations in the preferred compositions and methods can be used and that it is intended that the invention can be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims that follow.